Meet the team!

Co-Founder/ Executive DirectorSteven Hess is an accomplished Bay Area performer, director, teacher, and playwright. He trained for theatre in New York City, where he worked as an actor, director, and acting teacher. He is so excited for 23 Elephants Theatre Company!

Co-Founder/ Artistic DirectorBidalia E. Albanese is an award winning Bay Area director, choreographer, performer, and teaching artist. She is a graduate of The Guildford School of Acting in England, where she won the 1997 Choreography Competition. She also studied at the School of American Ballet in NYC.

Choreographer/ Director/ ProducerMaria Elena Cacciatore is an accomplished choreographer and teaching artist. She did choreography for 2016 Best of SF Fringe Award winner, The Unspeakable Act. Maria works extensively in Marin, including Marin Horizon, the Mill Valley Middle School, and the Throckmorton Theatre.

Teaching ArtistJohn Diaz has acted and stage managed with the 23 Elephants team in the past along with his high school company at San Rafael High School and is excited to start a new chapter in his life as a teaching artist at 23 Elephants!

Administrative Manager/ ProducerAnn Peterson has been involved with numerous productions around the Bay Area. Her versatile resume spans from performing on stage to working behind the scenes as a stage manager. She is thrilled to be a part of the 23 Elephants team and can't wait to help make the vision come alive!

"We were thrilled to receive the announcement in the mail yesterday that you are passing the torch to Steven and Bidalia. Our daughter was in nine of their musicals, so we know them quite well. You could not have picked better people to take your place. Not only are they fabulous and gifted actors themselves, but they are truly gifted directors of children. They are wonderful human beings in every possible way. I cannot rave about them enough. I am impressed you chose them. Thank you for choosing Steven and Bidalia to continue the wonderful and inspiring work you have done for so many years. You are tough to replace, but you nailed it with choosing them."